Victim Compensation

Victims Compensation Services reimburses citizens who suffer medical expenses and
lost wages as a result of being an innocent victim of a crime committed in North
Carolina. Victims of rape, assault, child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and drunk
driving, as well as the families of homicide victims are eligible to apply for financial
help.

Since 1987, Victims Compensation Services has assisted innocent victims and their
families to heal from the devastating effects of criminal violence with payments
for a diversity of needs, including medical care, counseling, lost wages and funerals.
Like other compensation programs, North Carolina is a payer of last resort paying
for financial losses not covered by other sources, including, but not limited to:

Health Insurance

Auto or disability insurance

Public funds such as Medicaid

Workers Compensation

Restitution paid by an offender

The program does NOT compensate victims for damaged or stolen property or for pain
and suffering.

A maximum of $30,000 may be paid for an award, except when the victim dies as a
result of the crime. In that case, an additional $3,500 may be paid to the survivors
for funeral expenses. Benefits for approved claims are paid directly to a service
provider.

While no amount of money can erase the trauma and grief victims suffer, this aid
can be crucial in the recovery process. By paying for care that restores victims'
physical and mental health, and by replacing lost income for victims who cannot
work and for families who lose a breadwinner, compensation programs are helping
victims regain their lives and their financial stability.